So the fact that Weil won't be issuing bonuses until after the
tax hike hits has definitely rubbed associates the wrong way, according to
Above The Law, which first reported Weil's decision and has been
fielding angry associate responses ever since.

One associate speculated the firm wanted to wait until 2013
because companies
can deduct such bonuses from their own taxable income, and
Weil wanted to do so after we go over the fiscal cliff.

In any case, getting bonuses after the New Year isn't great for
associates, since it could push them over the dreaded $250,000
mark next year and force them to shell out significantly more in
taxes.

Here are a few of the responses associates have sent ATL:

"Given the expected tax hikes, the only thing that does is
screw associate tax bills for next year (in favor of the
partners). Unbelievable."

"In a huge slap to the face of associates, Weil just said
they would pay bonuses in January. Considering they’ve paid
bonuses in Dec the last two yrs…. Weil continues to have
deteriorating morale. They have us slaving away in December
so our clients can sell companies before year-end; they are
painfully aware of the rising tax rates."

A Weil spokesperson told ATL the firm is just following its usual
practice of waiting to pay bonuses until after the new year.